Builds on patent acquired from Swedish firm, could have security use

Apple Developing Advanced 3D Facial Recognition: Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is pursuing a secure facial recognition system that would convert two-dimensional images into 3D, according to Apple Insider. The company has been assigned a patent for 3D object recognition relating to its 2010 purchase of Swedish firm Polar Rose. Face detection technology was deployed in the iPhone 4S last year. A facial recognition system based on the technology in the patent could lead to a security features for Macs and mobile devices that would allow precise identification of authorized users, Apple Insider speculates.

Apple Will Help Pay for Worker Improvements at Foxconn: Apple and Foxconn are working together to improve conditions for workers at the plants that produce iPads and iPhones and will split the costs, according to Reuters. There has been considerable media and activist pressure on Apple after a series of suicides at Foxconn facilities highlighted what many consider poor working conditions. Foxconn head Terry Gou did not reveal details of the improvements, their cost, or the extent to which Apple planned to contribute, but termed improvements a “competitive strength,” Reuters reports.

Future Macs Will Have Retina-Like Displays: Changes are being made to OS X to accommodate high-resolution retina displays for Macs, Apple Insider says. A recent OS X update contained an icon for retina-quality images, and text editor resolution has been sharply increased. The enhanced icons suggest that Apple will eventually unveil Macs with very high-resolution screens like those on the latest iPhone and iPad, Apple Insider says.

For more about the company, check out our previous Apple Rumors stories.